Performance optimization on the irreversible regenerative Ericsson refrigeration cycle using electrocaloric materials as the working medium. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Yan; Fu, Tong; Peng, Wanli; Lin, Guoxing; Chen, Jincan
• Is Part Of: International journal of refrigeration. Volume 138(2022)
• Page Start: 197
• Page End: 205
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Ericsson refrigeration cycle -- Electrocaloric material -- Heat leakage -- Finite heat capacity -- Optimal performance; Cycle frigorifique d'Ericsson -- Matériau électrocalorique -- Fuite thermique -- Capacité thermique finie -- Performance optimale; COP Coefficient of performance -- EC Electrocaloric -- ECE EC effect -- LMTD Logarithmic mean temperature difference; Refrigeration and refrigerating machinery -- Periodicals; 621.56
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2022.03.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-7007

Abstract

Highlights: An Ericsson refrigeration cycle with electrocaloric materials is proposed. Mathematic expressions of cooling rate and COP are derived. Τhe optimal ranges of the main thermodynamic quantities are determined. Effects of heat leak, regenerative time etc., on cyclic performances are discussed. Abstract: A regenerative Ericsson refrigeration cycle using electrocaloric (EC) materials as the working medium is established. In accordance with the thermodynamic properties of EC materials, the mathematical expressions of the coefficient of performance ( COP ) and cooling rate of the regenerative EC Ericsson refrigeration cycle are derived. The cooling rate is selected as an objective function and optimized with respect to one of the two isothermal process temperatures in the Ericsson refrigeration cycle, Subsequently, the optimal ranges and bounds of the COP and dimensionless cooling rate are determined. Furthermore, the impacts of the heat leakage, finite heat capacities of heat reservoirs at high and low temperature sides, the Curie temperature of EC materials, the electric field intensity difference in the EC Ericsson refrigeration as well as the regenerator efficiency, internal irreversibility resulting from the thermal hysteresis of EC materials, etc. on the optimal performance of the regenerative EC Ericsson refrigeration cycle are revealed. The conclusions obtained are beneficial to the optimal parameter design of EC refrigerators.